Drewry’s latest Global Container Port Throughput Index paints a mixed picture for the maritime and logistics sector. While global volumes dipped 2.0% month-on-month (MoM) in December, they remained 5.4% higher compared to the same period last year, with the rolling 12-month growth rate climbing to 6.1%. However, Drewry’s Nowcast model indicates that January 2025 is likely to have seen another 1.8% MoM decline.
The Greater China Container Port, experienced a 4.5% MoM drop in December, settling at 114.9 points, though still 3.4% higher YoY. The fourth quarter showed subdued volume growth across major Chinese ports, except for Ningbo, which posted a staggering 21.6% increase over 4Q23. In contrast, Shanghai and Hong Kong underperformed, with throughput falling 4.3% and 2.7% YoY, respectively.
North America also saw a contraction, with its Container Port Throughput Index sliding 3.4% MoM to 111.2 points. However, the region maintained a robust 10.5% YoY increase, supported by an impressive 10.6% rolling 12-month growth rate. The US West Coast was the standout performer in 4Q24, with Long Beach surging 24.4% YoY and Los Angeles close behind at 21.5%. This performance underscores the resilience of the West Coast ports amid shifting global trade flows.
Meanwhile, Latin America’s throughput held relatively steady, dipping just 0.3% MoM but growing 8.2% YoY. The region continues to outpace the global average, with a rolling 12-month growth rate of 11.1%. Panama’s five major container terminals collectively recorded a 7.9% YoY rise in volumes, while Santos, the largest container port in Brazil, posted an 8.9% YoY increase.
Despite these mixed short-term figures, the broader trend remains positive, with several key ports maintaining strong YoY growth. As global supply chains adapt to shifting trade patterns, industry players will be closely monitoring how these numbers evolve in the coming months.
Source: drewry
